When Jeff and Jennifer Bramley were still in hiding with foster children Jade and Hannah this newspaper called on the authorities to give them a chance to return. We said the couple should be allowed to keep the children at least until an independent expert had assessed both sides of the story.

Fortunately, common sense prevailed. The Bramleys returned home after Cambridgeshire social services said they could keep the children, and put their case for adoption before the courts.

The first stage of that process has already been completed. High Court judge Mrs Justice Hogg granted Mr and Mrs Bramley temporary custody of the little girls. She also made Jade and Hannah wards of court.

The Bramleys may still face charges. Nevertheless, they are probably more relaxed today than they have been since they absconded last September. They need no longer fear the spark of recognition in the eyes of every passer-by. They are safe in the knowledge that the next knock at the door will not herald the end of their brief family life.

The High Court decision seems so eminently sensible that it begs the question: why was it not taken months ago? Why were the Bramleys not given the opportunity to challenge the decision of Cambridgeshire social services through the courts?

The welfare of those children must now - finally - become paramount. Both the social workers and the foster parents believe that they have Jade and Hannah's best interests at heart. And since the Bramleys went on the run, the picture has complicated further.

The natural mother and the two natural fathers have both had their say. Jackie Bennett, the mother, has said that she is happy for her girls to be adopted by the Bramleys.

Meanwhile, the fathers are now asking for access to their children. Their interest may have developed rather late, but it is welcome nonetheless, and should be considered carefully by the courts.

In this cacophony of demands, the most important voices are yet to be heard, however. The Official Solicitor has the difficult, but not impossible, job of speaking on behalf of Jade, five, and Hannah, three.

If the natural fathers do not press for custody, the children face a straight choice: either stay with the Bramleys or move on to new foster parents. Their preference should not decide the issue - but it must be given prominent consideration by the courts.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.